Quick Tips for Choosing the Right Size Natural Area Rug for Your Space

While you have many options when it comes to choosing the fiber, fabrication, shape, and pattern of your natural area rug, there are standard guidelines to follow when it comes to selecting the size.

Don't be fooled by our room scene photos that often have furniture placed off of rugs in order to better showcase rug details. Here are a few tips to follow:

In the Living Room or Other Seating Area

In a living room, family room - or any other seating area -  place at least the front legs of all furniture on your area rug.  Having a rug ample enough to fit under all the legs of seating really serves to highlight a particular area, especially in an open floor plan.

If your seating area features a sofa, select an area rug that extends 6"-8" past it on each side.

Under a Dining Table 

When used under a dining table, your area rug should be large enough to go under all chair legs when they're pulled out.

In A Bedroom

In a bedroom, there are several ways to use an area rug.

You may place an area rug in a seating area using the tip above, or at the foot of the bed. If at the foot of the bed, it should be at least as wide as or slightly wider than the bed.

You can also place the area rug completely under the bed with the rug extending 18"-24" on either all four sides, or on either side and at the foot of the bed. Generally opt for a 5'x 8' rug for a twin bed, 6' x 9' rug for a full bed, 8' x 10' rug for queen bed, and 9' x 12' rug for king bed. 

You can also place your area rug horizontally under the bottom two-thirds of the bed with several inches sticking out from both sides of the bed.

Of course, guidelines are meant to be just that, and certainly shouldn't be taken as hard and fast rules. Get creative, and even layer rugs for a unique look.